Garden Lights

Collingwood LED garden lights are so energy efficient that now you can make more of any outdoor space with a clear conscience. Well-considered garden lighting opens up a home, making the most of the entire plot and not just the building's footprint. But remember, at night a little light goes a very long way and you can use the contrasting darkness to great dramatic effect.

The key to a good garden lighting plan is flexibility. Structures and pathways remain constant, but plants grow or may be replaced, or you may simply want to highlight different aspects of the garden at different times of the year. Garden spike lights with tilt adjustable heads are ideal to highlight foliage and will bring out the best in many trees too, although more powerful ground or flood lights are more appropriate for the largest specimens.

Try not to only consider the colour of the light you wish to achieve, consider the colour of your light fitting too. Copper and bronze fittings blend beautifully into nature's prevailing shades of green and brown, and over time the former will become ever more hidden in plain site as it develops patina. If you opt for stainless steel, do ensure that it is sufficiently corrosion-resistant to look good throughout its lifespan - 316 stainless steel, an austenitic stainless steel with a chemical composition that makes it suitable for use in medical devices, chemical processing and marine applications is by far the best option for long-term beauty.

Water features return the pleasure three-fold when lit. Changing refractions created by the water's movement will throw ever-moving patterns onto the surrounding areas, creating a feature of more than just the water itself. Keep things simple by fitting underwater ground or walls lights. There are a number to choose from, including decorative and mini markers, with coloured options as well as white light, all submersible up to 9m.

Of course, pathways and steps should be lit for safety as well as aesthetics. Choose lights with a wide beam angle and position them 200 - 300mm above the surface for the best spread of light. Whilst you could opt for any fitting with an IP rating of 65 or higher, it really is important to take anti-glare features into consideration for all but the shallowest flight of steps.

The garden lighting ideas outlined here are those most suited to domestic gardens. For recommendations for commercial spaces and for larger residential properties, please see outdoor lighting.